Truth 101 Class

  Deuteronomy 20:1-20, despite giving instructions about warfare, reveal a God who cares.  God encouraged Israel not to be afraid, promised victory, allowed exceptions from battle, offered peace to distant cities, and prohibited cutting down trees during sieges.  Even the destruction of Canaanite cities was meant to protect Israel against idolatry.  Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-4 How can I trust God and overcome fear in the battles I face today? Verses 5-9 What distractions, priorities, or fears might hinder my service to the LORD? Verses 10-18 What happens when people reject the peace that God offers? Verses 19-20 God promised Israel blessings from trees they did not plant (see Deuteronomy 6:11), and these verses show His care in preserving them.  Similarly, how has my past obedience to God helped to bring lasting blessings in my life? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, followi...

  Deuteronomy 19:1-21 provide instructions that relate to three of the Ten Commandments: The establishment of cities of refuge for those who commit unintentional manslaughter relates to the sixth commandment (" You shall not murder "), ensuring that only true murderers are punished.  The instruction to respect property boundaries aligns with the eighth commandment (" You shall not steal "), emphasizing the importance of honoring each person's inherited land and possessions.  The requirement for multiple witnesses in legal cases, along with the punishment for false testimony, reinforces the ninth commandment (" You shall not bear false witness "), upholding truth and justice in the legal system. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-13 What does the setting apart of cities of refuge reveal about God?  Verse 14 What attitudes or actions should I guard against to avoid taking what rightfully...

  Deuteronomy 18:1-22 give instructions showing how God provides for the Levites, for He is their inheritance; warn against adopting the detestable Canaanite practices linked to the demonic spiritual realm; and point to the coming of Christ as the Prophet whose words must be obeyed [NOTE: For background regarding God at Horeb/Sinai, see Exodus 20:18-21 ] Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-8 How well do I trust the LORD to provide for my needs, recognizing that He is my portion and inheritance? Verses 9-14 What modern-day occult practices should believers guard against, and how can we remain faithful to God's commands? Verses 15-22 The Prophet mentioned in these verses points to Jesus, as seen in New Testament passages like John 6:14 and Acts 3:19-26 & 7:37. What does this reveal to me about Jesus?  For music inspired by Deuteronomy 18:18-19 for Scripture memorization, following is a link to a YouTube video...

  Deuteronomy 17:1-20 provides instructions for protecting faithful worship, handling difficult legal cases through Levitical priests or judges, and establishing requirements for kingship. These guidelines for kingship were given long before Israel requested a king in 1 Samuel 8, demonstrating God's foresight. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-13 What are some things I can do to help "purge the evil" (vv. 7 & 12) from my life? Verses 14-20 How do God's requirements for leadership contrast with the world's view of leadership today?

  Deuteronomy 16:13-22 provide instructions regarding the Feast of Booths/Tabernacles/Ingathering ( see also Leviticus 23:33-43 ), appearing before the LORD, administration of justice, and proper worship practices. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 13-15 In what ways does the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles) point forward to God's eternal dwelling with His people in joy and rest? Verses 16-17 God's people are not to come before Him empty-handed but are to give what we are able, according to His blessings. What should I do at times when I might feel like I have little or nothing to offer the LORD? Verses 18-20 How does God feel about justice? And how should this shape our actions toward others? Verses 21-22 What practices from the world around us might negatively impact our worship of God?

  Deuteronomy 16:1-12 provide instructions on: The Feast of Unleavened Bread/Passover (vv.1-8) - see also Exodus 12:1-13:16 The Feast of Weeks/Pentecost (vv.9-12) - see also Leviticus 23:15-22 Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-8 In what ways does Passover point to Jesus, our Passover Lamb (see John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19)? Verses 9-12 In what ways does Pentecost point to the gift of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:1-41)?